The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 22) closely monitoring one additional case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by United Arab Emirates, and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of the health risks in the places they visit.

According to the WHO, the patient is a 78-year-old man with underlying illness in the United Arab Emirates. He tested positive for MERS Coronavirus on August 22. Investigations into the source of infection are ongoing.

To date, 2 081 cases have been reported to the WHO, with at least 722 deaths. There have been 1 865 cases in 10 Middle East countries comprising 1 710 in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 85 in the United Arab Emirates, 28 in Jordan, 19 in Qatar, nine in Oman, six in Iran, four in Kuwait, two in Lebanon, and one each in Yemen and Bahrain.

"We will maintain close communication with the WHO and relevant health authorities," a spokesman for the CHP said.

"Travellers to the Middle East should avoid going to farms, barns or markets with camels, avoid contact with sick persons and animals, especially camels, birds or poultry, and avoid unnecessary visits to healthcare facilities. We strongly advise travel agents organising tours to the Middle East to abstain from arranging camel rides and activities involving direct contact with camels, which are known risk factors for acquiring MERS Coronavirus," the spokesman said.